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Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.18.24

Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devotees

The Supreme Lord Enjoys Loving Friendship

“Defeated, the Supreme Lord Kṛṣṇa carried Śrīdāmā. Bhadrasena carried Vṛṣabha, and Pralamba carried Balarāma, the son of Rohiṇī.”

Śrīla Prabhupāda · Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 10.18.24, translation

What the purport teaches

  • Defeated in play, Kṛṣṇa carried Śrīdāmā. Bhadrasena carried Vṛṣabha, and Pralamba carried Balarāma, the son of Rohiṇī.
  • Kṛṣṇa is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, yet in His original form He has a most playful nature. He sometimes enjoys submitting to His loving friends’ strength or desire.
  • Such acts of love give pleasure to everyone involved, like a father playfully falling before his little child. Śrīdāmā rode on Kṛṣṇa’s shoulders to please his beloved friend.

Try this today

Before one act of devotional service today, pause and make pleasing Kṛṣṇa your intention.

Ask yourself

How does Śrīdāmā’s wish to please Kṛṣṇa deepen my understanding of devotional service?

Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.

From Canto 10, chapter 14 onward, the translation and purports were completed by Śrīla Prabhupāda's disciples after his departure, and published by the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust.

One of the 108 chosen lessons, close to this verseTake Shelter of Kṛṣṇa’s Lotus FeetSB 10.14.58Next · LeadTeach what you are livingTurn this chapter into a timed class plan or a short reel script.Open Lecture Studio